School closure after power cut knocks off toilet water system

St Joseph's Catholic Academy in Mill Lane, Hebburn, will be closed today after the cold water pump which services its toilet facilities was knocked out of service.

It follows on from a power cut thought to be linked the flood defence works being carried out at the rear of the school's site, which have also led to roadworks outside its front gates.

A message has been posted on its website letting parents of its 1,100-plus students know that it is closed for the day.

After the power cut yesterday meals were brought in from St Wilfrid's RC College, and repairs were carried out to restore the electricity supply.

However, the pump system has since been hit, with efforts under way to get it up and running again.

Chairman of its director board Geraldine Kilgour, said: "This is beyond the school's control and it has been an accident, but the school is making every effort to communicate this out to everyone.

"We appreciate and understand the impact it has on everyone and we are very sorry about this.

"The welfare and safety of our students is absolutely paramount and we cannot open the school without toilet facilities."

Go North East has said it will not be running its school services this morning.